AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-11-16, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REQUIRE ALL LICENSED NURSING HOMES TO CONDUCT CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS ON ALL NEW EMPLOYEES WHO PROVIDE DIRECT PATIENT CARE OR SERVICES; TO PROVIDE CIVIL IMMUNITY FOR THE DEPARTMENT, NURSING HOMES AND THEIR AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES FOR ANY FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS OR ACTIONS TAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS ACT; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO CHARGE NURSING FACILITIES A FEE FOR THE CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS; TO AMEND SECTION 43-11-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 43-11-16, Mississippi Code of 1972:

43-11-16. (1) Under regulations promulgated by the licensing agency, all licensed nursing homes shall conduct a criminal history check on every new employee who provides direct patient care or services. Except as otherwise provided, no new employee shall be permitted to provide direct patient care or services until the results of the criminal history check have revealed no disqualifying record. Every new employee shall provide a valid current social security number and/or driver's license number, which shall be furnished to the licensing agency or to the agency or entity designated by the licensing agency to conduct the criminal history check. The nursing home applying for the criminal history check will be promptly notified of any disqualifying record found by the criminal history check.

(2) A licensed nursing home may make an offer of temporary employment to a prospective employee pending the results of a criminal history check on the person. In those instances, the licensed nursing home shall provide to the licensing agency the name and relevant information relating to the person within seventy-two (72) hours after the date the person accepts temporary employment.

(3) The licensing agency and it agents, officers, employees, attorneys and representatives, and the licensed nursing facilities, their agents, officers, employees, attorneys and representatives, shall not be held civilly liable for any findings, recommendations or actions taken pursuant to this section.

(4) All fees incurred in compliance with this section shall be borne by the nursing home requesting the criminal history check. The licensing agency may charge a fee, which shall include the amount required by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the national criminal history check, or an other agency or entity designated by the licensing agency for the record check, in addition to any necessary costs incurred by the licensing agency for the handling and administration of the criminal history checks. Costs incurred by a nursing home provider implementing this section shall be reimbursed as an allowable cost under Section 43-13-116.

43-11-13. (1) The licensing agency shall adopt, amend, promulgate and enforce such rules, regulations and standards, including classifications, with respect to all institutions for the aged or infirm to be licensed under this chapter as may be designed to further the accomplishment of the purpose of this chapter in promoting adequate care of individuals in such institutions in the interest of public health, safety and welfare. Such rules, regulations and standards shall be adopted and promulgated by the licensing agency and shall be recorded and indexed in a book to be maintained by the licensing agency in its main office in the State of Mississippi, entitled "Rules, Regulations and Minimum Standards for Institutions for the Aged or Infirm" and the book shall be open and available to all institutions for the aged or infirm and the public generally at all reasonable times. Upon the adoption of such rules, regulations and standards, the licensing agency shall mail copies thereof to all such institutions in the state which have filed with the agency their names and addresses for this purpose, but the failure to mail the same or the failure of the institutions to receive the same shall in no way affect the validity thereof. The rules, regulations and standards may be amended by the licensing agency from time to time as necessary to promote the health, safety and welfare of persons living in those institutions.

(2) The licensee shall keep posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises all current rules, regulations and minimum standards applicable to fire protection measures as adopted by the licensing agency. The licensee shall furnish to the licensing agency at least once each six (6) months a certificate of approval and inspection by state or local fire authorities. Failure to comply with state laws and/or municipal ordinances and current rules, regulations and minimum standards as adopted by the licensing agency, relative to fire prevention measures, shall be prima facie evidence for revocation of license.

(3) The State Board of Health shall promulgate rules and regulations restricting the storage, quantity and classes of drugs allowed in personal care homes. Residents requiring administration of Schedule II Narcotics as defined in the Uniform Controlled Substances Law may be admitted to a personal care home. Schedule drugs may only be allowed in a personal care home if they are administered or stored utilizing proper procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or nurse.